Inventions Created by Women

Women have contributed to improving society for many years. In honor of Women’s History Month coming to a close, here are a few inventions that you may not know were created by women!

Mary Anderson with the modern windshield wiper, photo by IAME

   1) Windshield wipers. Before Mary Anderson invented the windshield wiper in 1903, a rainy day could ruin taking any form of transportation. Thanks to her contributions, you can now drive or take public transport on a rainy day with no trouble!

   2) The pizza saver. Also called a pizza table, this device prevents containers from collapsing in on the food inside. The pizza saver was invented by Carmela Vitale in 1985.

    3) Science fiction. It would be unimaginable to live without this genre in modern literature, but science fiction wasn’t an established genre until Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein was published in 1818.

    4) Caller ID. Research by physicist Shirley Ann Jackson was fundamental in helping to bring caller ID to the masses, making it possible to know who was calling you before picking up the call.

    5) CRISPR gene editing. This genetic modification process isn’t just something you learn about in biology. CRISPR is crucial to biotechnology, allowing the genes of living organisms to be modified. It was invented by two women, Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Anne Doudna.

    6) Ice cream machine. The first ice cream machine was invented by Nancy Johnson in 1843. It was even invented before the freezer!